Studies of Hafnium-Carbide Wafers Using a Thermogravimetric Analyzer
Abstract
Solar thermal propulsion can improve orbital transfer and maneuvering of space payloads due to double the performance of specific impulse (lsp) over chemical propulsion systems. Solar thermal can accomplish this increased performance by absorbing concentrated solar energy with very high temperature materials which through conduction heat hydrogen (H2). Hafnium carbide (HfC) is an excellent candidate material as a solar absorber and conductor because of its high melting temperature of 395000 (71420F)1. Several reticulated vitreous hafnium carbide wafers with varying porosities were made by a commercial vendor. Samples of these wafers were placed in a Thermogravimetric Analyzer (TGA) and heated from room temperature to 100000 (1832F). This would determine any weight gains or losses of the wafers during testing. Results of this analysis show that the hafnium carbide increased in weight approximately 2.5 percent.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA409008
Entities
People
- Domingo G. Castillo
- Paul F. Jones